Home internet access

  • CSD strongly recommend a home broadband internet connection to access online learning resources. Although we have hotspots available upon request, a broadband connection offers a far more reliable experience to support online learning.

    If the cost of broadband is a challenge, families have several options for discounted service.

    The federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered eligible families a subsidy on home broadband, is ending in April 2024. ACP participants can get more information about the program's closure here.

    Families can request a temporary hotspot from their school media center, or check one out from the DeKalb County Public Library. However, please note that hotspots are often not a reliable way to connect to the internet, especially in homes where there are other competing wireless signals.

Managing family technology

  • Families often have questions about how best to manage students' home use of technology. Students and parents might investigate these tools and resources in making those family decisions.

    Guidance and resources

    While controls on devices can be effective to e.g. limit screen time and block inappropriate content, there are several non-technical yet critical things adults can do to have a positive influence on students' healthy use of technology:

    • Adults rolemodeling healthy use of technology.
    • Clear expectations about acceptable technology use. These should be understood by both adults and students and revisited even when things are going well.
    • Regular conversations about students' online experiences -- the good, the bad, the confusing, and the just plain weird.
    • Adults and students exploring together the positive ways technology can connect families, support learning, and contribute to society.

    Some third-party resources to consider:

    Device and app management

    Apple, Google, and Microsoft develop the operating systems that run on most of the computers, phones, and other devices families are likely to use. All three have tools for filtering content, managing screen time, accessing apps, etc. That said, all three also have areas where they can improve their offerings, and all of them suggest use of their tools is most effective when part of a family discussion about acceptable technology use. Additionally, since 2018, both iOS (which runs on Apple iPhones and iPads) and Android (running on other manufacturers' phones) have included tools to help people better monitor their own use of their devices.

    Additionally, we encourage families to take advantage of tools embedded in the operating systems on most home computers:

    App reviews

    Consider consulting trusted third-parties to evaluate apps before agreeing to install something on a child's device. Possible review sources include